One disaster relief fund builds quickly

Disaster relief fund created by Iowans of Asian descent surpassed the 54-thousand dollar mark in just a few days. Cyndi Chen, a native of Taiwan who provides leadership to several of Iowa’s Asian organizations, is one of the people behind the “Iowa Cares: Asian Tsunami Disaster Fund.” Chen says she’s been surprised by how fast the donations have come in, but says it makes sense when you think about the generosity of Iowans. She says she’s impressed with Iowa’s heart to help people. She says Iowa has a long history of helping other countries out. Chen says the money will help Red Cross stations in three of the countries. She says it’ll be divided equally between Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Chen says donations to the ” Iowa Cares: Asian Tsunami Disaster Fund” can be dropped off at any Bankers Trust location or mailed to: Iowa Cares: Asian Tsunami Disaster Fund, 150 East Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50313.